Photography: HighRev Photo And Mint 400
Usually, we roll our eyes when someone wants to share their photos with us from a trip to Las Vegas. We have already seen plenty of photographs of all the crappy clubs, overpriced drinks, swanky hotel rooms, skanky outfits, and how much you ate at the buffet. Maybe we are a bit jaded, but none of that is interesting to us. Been there, done that.
This wasn’t the typical trip to Las Vegas that turns into a low-budget reenactment of The Hangover though. That is because the 2019 Mint 400 was in town all week long. There were non-stop parties on Fremont Street, the pit crew competition, a parade of race vehicles right down the world-famous Strip, and tons of action at the time trials. The week ended with racers heading out to do battle on some of the roughest desert terrain there is in hopes of winning The Mint 400. Much like Shark Week, Mint Week has become one of our favorite times of the year.
Don’t worry if you couldn’t make it to Las Vegas to check out all the action. Thankfully, there were plenty of photographers on hand to capture all the action. And these were photo albums that we actually wanted to check out. We sifted through their countless photos and narrowed them down to our top picks. Check out our favorite images from this year’s Mint 400 race. Viva Las Vegas!
Tripling Down
The quest to become the overall winner of the 2019 Mint 400 was a hard fought one. After battling it out with Bryce Menzies and Andy McMillin, Justin Lofton was the first vehicle to streak across the finish line. Las Vegas and The Mint 400 has been good to Lofton as the win is his third in five years.
Making Lemonade
If life gives you lemons, you might as well make lemonade. If your racecar breaks down, you might as well pull the seat out of it, get in the shade, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy watching the race.
Not The View You Want
This isn’t really the view you want out your front windshield during the Time Trials. Cole Potts went big off the jump, but wound up stuffing the nose and going for a ride. Thankfully, everyone was okay and the truck was still able to race on Sunday.
Cruising Down The Strip
Without a doubt, we have seen a lot of interesting stuff in Las Vegas over the years. One of the more unique sights is dozens of race vehicles cruising down the famous world-famous Las Vegas Strip during the vehicle parade.
On The Gas
Bryce Menzies was charging hard in his 4WD Trophy Truck and mixed it up with the front pack for most of the race. Eventually, he faded back with issues but the new truck does show plenty of speed and promise.
Doing The Mint 800
4WP CEO and President Craig Scanlon decided The Mint 400 wasn’t a big enough challenge so he decided to take it on twice in one day. He finished the morning UTV race in just enough time to hop into his Spec Trophy Truck 6100. Ultimately, he wouldn’t finish the afternoon race, but it was a hell of an effort.
Tough As Nails
Taking on The Mint 400 with 800 horsepower and three feet of wheel travel is one thing. Taking on the brutal course in an almost bone stock Volkswagen Bug is a completely different animal. We literally have no idea how they do it, but Class 11 racers are as tough as they come.
Best Of The Best
The UTV Turbo class was absolutely huge with over 70 entries all vying for the win. Mitch Guthrie Jr. was able to best them all and take the top spot on the podium.
Beauty And The Beast
Desert racing is made of intense competition, but there are also moments of spectacular natural beauty as well. Mother Nature put on an amazing sunset for those racers that were still charging to the finish line.
Looking Good
There is no denying that Brett Sourapas’ Trophy Truck is good looking. It is also extremely fast as he came across the finish line just under three minutes behind Lofton.
Can You Hear Me Now?
The bikes were back at The Mint 400, but not everyone’s race went according to plan. We are not sure if this rider was calling for roadside assistance or perhaps ordering a pizza.
Full Stuff
In desert racing you can run out of suspension travel in a big hurry. This is especially true on a brutal course like The Mint 400 as this Baja Bug racer found out the hard way.
On The Rise
Seth Quintero is barely old enough to legally drive a car, but has been racking up plenty of wins in short course and desert racing. He stayed out in front of the rest of UTV P class to add another trophy to his collection at The Mint 400.
Roosted
RJ Anderson is well-known behind the wheel of a UTV, but has been trying his hand at much faster vehicles. His Mint 400 didn’t go according to plan in the Spec Trophy Truck 6100 class, but it is only a matter of time until he is on the podium.
The Mint 400 Bites
The rough course of The Mint 400 took its toll on plenty of vehicles. Ted Moncure showed speed early on, but a snapped upright sidelined the team while welding was performed.
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